The Girl who Vanished

Chapter 27

We see Lara walking down a dirt path, she is wearing a dark blue version of her Ravenclaw robes meant for cold weather, a snow white owl scarf she got from Poppy as a gift, and some light blue gloves. Her long french braid is dotted with snow from the light snowfall Hogwarts is currently experiencing. I don't understand how Sebastian was able to recognise the location from the triptych we found in the Undercroft. Oh well, hopefully he is right and we can get some answers.

Lily groans, after what happened in the scriptorium, the catacombs and Feldcroft she would prefer it if her daughter stayed away from that boy.

Sebastian: "I thought my owl might pique your interest."

Lara: "I came as soon as I could."

Sebastian: "I'd been so preoccupied by all that happened with Ominis in the catacomb - not to mention my uncle's reaction - that I'd almost forgotten what it was that had struck me about that triptych. This is the view painted on the canvas that was left on it."

Lara: "How are you able to remember this? You must know this area well."

Sebastian: "(chuckles) I may not be a Ravenclaw but I'm certainly not stupid. And while I was waiting for you, I scouted around and discovered an abandoned mine nearby - surrounded by Ranrok's Loyalists."

"Technically not abandoned then."

Lara: "Do you think there's a connection to the triptych?"

Sebastian: "I've no idea. But perhaps they're searching it - the way they did Rookwood Castle and Isidora's manor."

They decide to try and sneak past the goblins if they can and if not then try to take them out quietly. Some time later they reach the abandoned mine entrance, there are spiderwebs everywhere. As they explore the mine Lara comments on how she doesn't see any goblins in the cobwebs to which Sebastian responds that they are too disgusting even for a spider.

Flitwick glares, he may only be half goblin but he still found Sebastian's comment offensive.

"S-spiders, why'd it have to be spiders." Ron whimpers.

"I'm just glad it wasn't snakes."

Several goblins, spiders and one broken bridge later they find themselves in a large open chamber with several goblin warriors and goblin rangers, as well as several spiders. Lara grabs one of the ranger's arrows out of the air and throws it back at him while Sebastian destroys the platform another ranger is standing on. Lara transfigures one of the spiders into an explosive barrel which she throws at another spider. She hears Sebastian cast the Imperius Curse on one of the larger spiders and is concerned. He's using that curse again. I was hoping he would come to his senses after what happened in Feldcroft, I should keep an eye on him. Ominis is right to be concerned, if this keeps up I will have to let him know.

The adults are deeply concerned by Sebastian's behaviour, they can only hope he will come to his senses before it's too late.

Sebastian: "We certainly cleared the room."

Lara: "You're not a bad chap - for a Slytherin."

Sebastian: "For a Ravenclaw, you certainly have a lot to learn."

After finishing off the remaining enemies they activate the three rune symbols on the wall, opening the door. Through the door they find a small room with a circular table with various books, notes, skulls and more on it. As they look around, Lara discovers another of Isidora's journal entries.

The world floated back to me as if in a watery haze. How long had I been unconscious? I only remember his eyes. Empty. Empty of sorrow, yes, but also -